His Perfect Bride by Jenn Langston Page A

Describing him to James had been difficult, but luckily her love of painting served them well and she easily created a likeness.
    “What about Mr. Gregory? I know your mother would not approve of either gentlemen, but you seem to be getting along quite well with him,” Ashley pointed out.
    “If I had never met Mr. Richard, I imagine I would be happy with Mr. Gregory, but I feel . . .” Brianna cut off, unable to describe the incredible way she had felt when she had been in Mr. Richard’s arms, nor could she say how her heart fluttered when he smiled at her. The incredible feeling astounded her, and she wanted to see if the occurrence would repeat, or if it had all been her imagination.
    “You feel what exactly?”
    “I can’t describe my reaction, but I imagine it’s similar to how you feel when you are near James. What if he is my James? How can I stay here not attempting to locate him, when I could be out there finding him?”
    “I do see what you mean. However, I don’t believe this search will prove fruitful.”
    There was a knock at the door and both girls quieted. They had been careless by not keeping their voices low. Brianna groaned. Whoever was at the door might have heard their entire conversation and could report back to her mother. Ashley called for them to enter and Brianna waited, holding her breath to see who her potential executioner was. Nearly collapsing in relief, she let out her breath when she saw James.
    “Hello, ladies. I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
    “No, we were only speaking of Mr. Richard again,” Ashley explained, allowing her disapproval to show.
    “That is why I came. I’m happy to report I have finally found him.”
    Richard sat in the back of his carriage with his eyes closed. Tonight he was meeting Greyson and Jonathan at the club to discuss the information he had acquired regarding the two new applicants. He had put more of his time and efforts into gathering this information than into his bride search, and he didn’t want to think about what that meant.
    After his solicitor had informed him Lady Brianna Denton was the daughter of an earl and equipped with a sizable dowry, he found his excuses for avoiding her becoming more insubstantial.
    Attempting to forget her, he had attended gatherings and danced as well as engaged in many inane conversations. Honestly, Richard could not understand how anyone was expected to pick out a bride at events such as these. The only way to become more acquainted with a lady was to call upon her at home or invite her out for a chaperoned outing. Unfortunately, that would require him to be able to choose one worthy of the attention in the first place.
    He remembered how he had recently remarked how similar all the ladies were and, after many nights of frivolous chatter, he could not agree with his assessment more. There was only one exception to the statement, and he was doing his best to avoid her. Although he had not seen her in quite some time, Lady Brianna still taunted him with her bewitching smile and kissable lips.
    Feeling the carriage stop, he gratefully accepted the ability to temporarily cast her from his mind. As he exited, he saw both Greyson and Jonathan waiting for him outside the club. Being the last to arrive had its advantages, since his mind would not have an opportunity to wander back to her. Richard almost made it across the street when he heard the taunting voice and froze. It could not be her. It was not possible.
    “Mr. Richard,” Lady Brianna called again as he slowly turned to face her with narrowed eyes.
    “Lady Brianna, what on earth are you doing here?” he asked, feeling his anger rising at the danger she placed herself in by being out so late.
    “I have come to see you.” She offered him a beautiful smile. “I have not seen you in quite some time, and I decided to change that.” Her words were calm, as if approaching a man she hardly knew was natural for her, in the dead of night, no less. He had